Java licensing has seen a series of significant shifts in recent years, with Oracle making frequent changes that impact enterprises using Java in their operations. Since 2018, Oracle has introduced multiple changes to both the pricing and conditions surrounding Java usage, particularly affecting businesses that rely on the platform for production applications. These adjustments reflect Oracle’s shift towards a subscription-based model and have prompted organizations to reconsider their Java usage and licensing strategies.
The initial change came with the introduction of the Oracle Technology Network License Agreement (OTNLA). Prior to this, Java was widely considered to be free for most uses, including regular updates and maintenance. However, the OTNLA imposed stricter rules. While personal use or testing remained free, businesses could no longer rely on Java without paying for a subscription unless they were using Oracle’s JDK for specific applications, like those hosted on the Oracle Cloud. This marked a significant departure from the previous model, affecting a wide range of organizations that had previously been able to use Java without a direct cost.
When JDK 17, the next long-term support (LTS) release, was launched in September 2021, Oracle introduced the No Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC). At first glance, this seemed like a more favorable arrangement, offering businesses the opportunity to use Oracle JDK for free for developing, testing, prototyping, and running applications for internal business operations. However, the vagueness of terms like “internal business operations” has left many businesses uncertain about whether they are fully compliant, leading to a mixed adoption of this new license model.
One of the most notable aspects of the NFTC is its time limitation. Under this model, LTS releases like JDK 17 receive free updates only for one year after the subsequent LTS release. This short window of free access adds a layer of complexity for businesses that want to ensure continued support and security updates without the added cost of a Java SE Subscription. With the shift to a two-year cadence for LTS versions, businesses now have a limited period of three years to take advantage of free updates before the licensing terms change again. As a result, organizations are facing a balancing act between maintaining the security of their applications and managing the evolving costs of Oracle’s Java offerings.